
POEMS 
1849-1915 



The- CsJiforryje*. Floppy 

THE OFFICIAL FLOWER 
OF THE GOLDEN STATE 







Class LO. oDfOA 
GofiyrightN? M 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



4 'To worship rightly is to 

love each other, 
Each smile a hymn, each 

kindly deed a prayer.'* 



J. G. WHITTIER. 





BROTHERHOOD 



THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD 
THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN 






/ 



BY 
WARREN JONES MASTEN 



7 








COPYRIGHT 

By WARREN JONES MASTEN 

SAN FRANCISCO 
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER, J9»4 




DEC I4I9I4 



Printers 

JOE WILSON PRINTING CO 

San Francisco, U. S. A, 

/ 3L.f> o 



^f^*^**^ 



CI.A387954 





POEMS OF BROTHERHOOD, 



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INDEX 

Paok 

A Cloud Rift 56 

All Is Well 17-18 

All Is Well 109 

A Message 79 

"Am I My Brother's Keeper?" 73 

A Sunflower 50 

A Vision 5 

Birthday Message 21 

Birthday Message 23 

Birthday Message 46 

Brotherhood 89-90 

California Poppy (Official Flower of the Golden 

West) 39 

Charity 81 

Christ's Second Coming 64 

Completeness 104 

Conditions of Growth 63 

Conditions of Growth 107 

Consecration 14-15-16 

Desires Three 80 

Doing Good 95-96 

E'en Now 94 



> 






INDEX, Continued 

i 

Page 

Fogs 57 

Free Riches 19 

Generosity 69 

God Is Love 1 

God's Kindergarten 29-30 

God's Poverty Cure 72 

God's Touch Upon the Soul 26 

Heaven Within 37 

Heaven Within 84 

Influence 83 

Inspiration 52-53 

Joy 51 

Judge Not 70 

"Let Thy Light Shine" 71 

Life 20 

Like a Streamlet 82 

Like a Streamlet 91 

Love's Prayer 75 

Lullaby 27-28 

My Prayer 13 

"Not Every One That Saith Unto Me Lord, Lord, 
Etc." 66 



i 



l 




INDEX, Continued 

Page 

Poise 10 

Prayer 22 

Prayer 29 

Prayer 32-33 

Prayer 34-35-36 

Prayer 67 

Prayer 78 

Prayer For Love 62 

Protection 9 

Realization 102-103 

Recompense 74 

Refraction 31 

Refraction 98 

Regenerated 38 

Regenerated 85 

Salvation 99-100-101 

Sea Music 2-3 

Service 65 

Song 40-41 

Sympathy 76 

Sympathy 110 

The Christ Within 86-87 

The Day's Rringing 47-48-49 



I 




INDE.X, Continued 



Pagb 

The Kingdom Come 60-61 

The Land of Promise (California 1849-1915) 25 

The Larger Life 92 

The Larger Life 105 

The Love and Will Divine 24 

The Master Musician 59 

The New Day 43 

The Right Touch 55 

The Soul's Daytime 11-12 

The Unsung Song 93 

The Unsung Song 106 

"Thy Will Not Mine"— Hymn 54 

Thy Will, Not Mine 97 

Thy Will, Not Mine 108 

Tiny Hands 42 

To the Healer 68 

To the Violin 8 

True Success 58 

True Success 77 

True Work 6-7 

Unbound 4 

Unbound 88 

Upliftment 44-45 



sP*******^ 







OD is Love, Oh never doubt it 

E'en when times are hard to bear, 
Live above thy griefs and worries, 
Trust them to a Father's care. 



He can make the darkest place 

Seem to thee like brightest day, 
For His smile will pierce the darkness, 

And illumine all the way. 

He can so uplift thy spirit 
Earth's woes seem of small account, 

On the wings of hope and courage, 
It will ever upward mount. 

Help me, O God, I pray throughout the day 

To listen to the music of Thy voice, 
Then I shall hear from all created things 

Some notes arise which say "rejoice, rejoice" ! 

And when the day dawns cold and dark and drear, 
Of outward joy and beauty seeming bare, 

Open my senses to that kingdom near, 

Flooded with sunshine and with flowers most fair. 

Beneath the darkest cloud that glooms the sky, 
Point where the gleams of purest silver hide, 

Show that earth's discord and her bitterest cry 
Foretell the harmony that shall abide. 



^PTf**** 






Sea Music 

T TWILIGHT time I sat beside the sea 
And listened to the waves' sad mur- 
muring; 
Waiting- till they should sound less 
mournfully, 
And to my ears some notes of glad- 
ness bring. 
But with a deafening, maddening, clashing roar, 

As if they battled with an unseen foe, 
They only beat the louder on the shore, 

To die away in a long wail of woe. 
As deeper grew the shadows, one bright star 

Arose above the cliffs, high in the sky, 
And from its luminous throne in heights afar 

Looked down as watching with all-seeing eye. 
Then, when again I listened to the sea, 
Methought the waves rang paens of victory. 

Thou must be lifted far 

Above all worldly care, 

E'en thou canst with Him share 

Such deep tranquility, 

That naught the senses jar 

Nor evil passions mar 

The soul's serenity. 

He who lives near to God 

Will rise above the sod, 

Into those mountain heights, 

Whose every sound delights 

The ear, and wondrous sites 

Of loveliness satisfy 

The soul's deep sense of beauty. 
Live in the deep sense of my abiding tenderness 
to thee and others, then thou wilt have true blessed- 
ness. 



^W^ 




The Ideal is ihe Real 
Believe, it has power 
All foul disease to heal; 
Men need no more cower 
In dread of coming harm; 
This truth falls like a balm 
Upon all listening ears 
And routs disturbing fears. 

Once raise the thought to things above, 

Then every little flower that grows 

Becomes a token of the love 

That breathes in all and overflows 

Into a stream that fills the earth 

With power to give beauty birth. 
Be at peace, an angel's hand is troubling the 
waters of thy soul; when it is o'er there comes a rest- 
ful stillness to abide forevermore. 

Be lifted up above all earthly strife, 
Be consciously at one with the true life, 
Then shall thy love for others be intense, 
Thy very presence bring with it the sense 
Of Him and His abiding tenderness. 

Tell him to put his hand in mine 
And trust to me; I will safely lead 
Him all the narrow way till he 
Reach that haven where 
All storms are past. 



u^r^cr 






SAD SOUL! moaning in the web which 
Fate 
Hath spun around thee so thou canst 
not fly! 
Be still! No more bewail thine abject 
state, 
For thee deliverance soon draweth nigh; 
A voice from soundless depths the secret tells; 

Nothing can bind a soul whose thoughts are stayed 
Upon eternal things, for in it dwells 

A consciousness which makes it unafraid. 
It looks beyond the seeming to the real; 

Knows that, which here apparently doth bind, 
Doth make it reach out after the ideal, 

Helps it the freedom of the truth to find; 

And now, at will, it soars above the world; 

Fate can no longer keep its pinions furled. 





'PWARD I soared unto a sea of light, 

Around me surged great waves of 
melody. 
Each breath I drew brought with it 
strange delight, 
And life flowed into me abundantly. 
I realized my oneness with the All, 

My ears were opened to the overtone 
Of harmony which freed me from the thrall 

Of those discordant notes which make man moan. 
From this vast sea of light, of love, and song, 

I saw bright rays descending unto men, 
Uniting them to that inspired throng 

Who sing- "All's well for God is Love, Amen!" 
While o'er the earth the Son of Righteousness 
Spread healing wings in brooding tenderness. 





True WorK 





NTO all thou doest 
Put a grain of love; 

Twill the sense of drudgery 
From all work remove. 



That done in the kitchen 

Will as noble seem, 
As some grand achievement 

Wrought in fondest dream. 

Never chiseled marble 

Proves a work of art, 
Bears it not the impress 

Of the sculptor's heart. 

Matchless in its color, 

Every line most true; 
Painted without feeling — 

Wooden through and through. 

Faultless in its measures, 
Sweet of sound the song; 

Voice it not the poet's soul — 
No song lives for long. 

Eloquent the sermon, 

Beautiful the thought; 
Lies no life behind it, 

It will come to naught. 

Homely words and diction, 

But the Spirit's power 
Brought through them upliftment 

To crushed souls that hour. 




^m^uu^ 



Perfect execution, 

No discordant note; 
Theme sublime, but lacking — 

It was played by note. 

Just a simple ballad, 
With such feeling sung 

In all listening to it 
Answering chords were rung. 

Earnest be of purpose 
And thy motive pure, 

Then whate'er thou doest 
Will for aye endure. 





To tKe Violin 

YE dumb, dumb notes within me 

That my voice cannot express, 
My heart will break, oh! set them free 

For me, to thee I can confess 
All my wild longings and the dreams 
Of loveliness which haunt my soul, 
Bringing the echoes from far streams 
Of heavenly melody which seems 
A part of me; the distant roll 

Of mighty waves of song awake 
Beneath my touch I now partake 

Through thee of bliss and find mine own 
Completeness; Joy will ne'er forsake 
Me now for I am not alone ! 

Out! out! upon the fast flowing tide 
Which bears her swiftly from me, 

Into that Bourne from which few return, 
That undiscovered country. 

God gives me songs to sing in the night, 

But now their burden is pain, 
Or a yearning cry for one dear face 

To smile upon me again. 

Sometimes methinks that my cry is heard 

And she whom I love is near, 
For answering chords which bid me hope 

Fall softly upon my ear. 

When through me a certain chord vibrates 

I smile even through my tears, 
And think of the joys still left to me 

To brighten my lonely years. 

All whom I love are forever mine, 
They are enshrined within my heart; 

What we call Death is naught but a dream 
For those who love do not part! 






i 




Protection 




SINK to rest within the arms of Sleep, 
But first I bid my purest thoughts to keep 
Guard o'er me, lest aught of evil creep 
Too near the portals of my soul and find 
Entrance there; Nature's laws are always 
kind, 

She also rules the kingdom of the mind, 
And has an antidote for every ill 
That comes to vex us; were we not so blind 
To her true teachings, gladness would enfill 
Our inmost being; Fear would cease to bind 
Us with its chains; at last we should partake 
Of that repose that never doth forsake 
Those who trust fully to the Over-soul, 
To strengthen, purify and make them whole. 






OME day, despite the world's discordant 
noise, 
The soul will hear the undertone most 

sweet 
To which creation's mighty heart doth 
beat — 
Will find at last a point of perfect poise. 
Ah! Not till then will it know of those joys, 
Unlike the ones that on life's path we meet, 
Which pass away too soon on footsteps fleet, 
So frail one whiflf of adverse wind alloys. 



The ocean hath a place of calm unshaken 
By fiercest hurricane that o'er it blows; 
So, when to consciousness a soul doth waken, 
Nothing can move it from its deep repose; 
But not until the chains to earth are riven 
Can unto it a bliss so great be given. 




TKe Soul's Day Time 




t is the day-time of the soul, 
When, piercing- through earth's night 
Come flashes from that light 
Which point unto life's goal. 



Its day-time is when 'neath the pain, 
Resounding soft and clear, 
Ring notes of hope and cheer 
From heaven's own glad refrain. 

When in the midst of sin and strife 
There falls a blessed calm 
Which doth all fears disarm, 
It is the dawn of larger life. 

Tis perfect day when human love 
Provides the wings whereby 
The soul can upward fly — 
Drink from Love's fount above. 

When I can let the sheen of heavenly regions 
Fall full upon me as I tread life's way, 

Small power o'er me hath Satan or his legions 
To make one footstep into bypaths stray. 

But should I let a light than it less holy, 
My higher vision blind by its fierce glare, 

Angels who, in the purest abide solely, 

Flee, and foul beings from their caverns stare. 





11 




Sun of the Soul so shed thy rays around me, 
A circle will be found none can break through, 

Save those at least who long to see Thy glory 
And have their lips baptized with heavenly dew. 

The Ideal is the Real 

Believe, it has power 
All foul diseases to heal, 

Men need no more cower 
In dread of coming harm 

This truth falls like a balm 
Upon all listening ears 

And routs disturbing fears. 

Once raise the thoughts to things above, 

Then every little flower that grows, 
Becomes the token of the love 

That breathes in all and overflows 
Into a stream that feeds the earth 

With power to give beauty birth. 




12 




^S7 





My Prayer 

SPIRIT of life and love Divine, 
Remove from my soul its weight of woe, 
Let me the joy of Thy presence know. 
Reveal the truth to this heart of mine, 



Keep my thoughts ever most pure and true, 
Help me desire Thy will to do, 
Guide my steps upward along the way 
That leads at last to the Perfect Day. 

Never let Sorrow from me depart, 
Till I have looked deep into her heart, 
Fathomed the secret under her strings, 
Garnered the strength that suffering brings. 

Give me of Wisdom as my bequest 
That I see clearly to choose the best, 
Grant me some power to bless the world 
And stay Evil's darts against it hurled. 




13 






Consecration 

RITE it in letters of fire! 

Till it's burned upon thy brain! 
Cleanse thine every desire, 
Let not one foul stain remain. 



Be given up wholly 

Unto the labor of love; 
May thy aim be only 

To lift men to thoughts above. 

Trust Infinite Wisdom 

To reveal just what is best; 

Enter heaven's kingdom 
Where is heeded each request. 

Be one with the Master 
In doing the Father's will; 

Life is the true tester, 
Obedience, doubts can still. 

Faith gives a broad outlook 

For what the years have in store. 

He whom the world forsook 
Shows how to make little, more. 




To the wells of living waters, 
O, make haste to go; 

Cast away the filthy tatters 
Of the garbs of woe. 



14 



Whoever takes of this refreshment, 

In his soul abides 
A deep sense of true contentment, 

Whatsoe'er betides. 

For God's Wisdom seeth deeper 

Than man's eyes can see. 
Never is life's pathway steeper 

Than the strength may be. 

Life is never to hard 
Unless we make it so; 
Our groanings but retard 
True progress. Soft and low 
The voice saith, Child, let go 
Thy self-hood. Strive no more 
For what the world calls fame ; 
But only take His name 
And live it. He once bore 
The cross, now raised doth draw 
All men to Him by love's law. 

Let my life be not one lived in vain, 

But spent in easing others' pain; 

With cleansing fires burn up all my dross, 

Teach me the true meaning of the Cross, 

Go and work in my vineyard, 

Trust to the Lord of the harvest 

To give thee what is thy due. 

He prayeth, and his countenance is bright, 

He seeth wondrous things through Faith's clear sight. 



He thinketh and his thoughts are pure and white, 
He speaketh words the Spirit doth indite, 
He liveth so that others seek the light, 
Soon cometh the victory of the right. 

By our trials we're receiving cleansing as by fire, 
Through our weakness we are learning where strong 
souls inspire. 

Be not like a reed, shaken by the wind; be stead- 
fast, immovable, always abounding in works for the 
Lord; for ye know that your labor is not in vain in 
the Lord. 

My servant shall be blessed 
Though now his burdens press 
Too heavy with their weight; 
At last will come a day 
I'll take them all away 
And he shall find true rest. 

I will shine upon his darkness and there shall be light. 




16 





Peace rides in the teeth of the storm, 
Joy bides at the heart of sorrow, 

The soul hath no need of alarm 
That trusteth to God the morrow. 





All is Well 

LL that may come to me 
Of weal or woe 
Is from the Father's hand 

And He doth know 
Just what each soul requires 
To make it grow. 

Aught He in love sees fit 

To take away, 
He doeth what is best, 

Trusting I say; 
Naught can disturb my peace 

When I obey. 

All things result in good 

To those whose will 
Is fully one with His; 

What may seem ill 
Comes that it may some wise 

Purpose fulfill. 

Therefore I fearlessly 

Travel along, 
Feeling a mighty arm, 

Saving from wrong, 
All is well, "God is Love," 

This is my song. 




17 



We cannot gaze directly at the sun, 
But when at night the silver moon doth shine, 
We are reminded of the Perfect One 
Who came to show man he, too, is divine. 
When like the moon upon his upturned face 
Reflected glory from His sun falls there, 
Filling it full of loveliness and grace 
As when created in God's image fair. 

And as the likeness groweth more and more, 
He lighteth all around the dreary night, 
And guideth many a weary traveler o'er 
The pitfalls which had else been hid from sight. 
Soon, conscious of his kinship to the One, 
He shines as doth a star, himself a Sun! 






IS 





Free RicKes 

UTTERCUPS and grass stars nodding in 
the breeze, 
Children's happy voices as they bring us 

these; 
They are but a portion of Dame Nature's 
wealth, 

Wealth none need ever fear thieves will steal by 
stealth. 

Birds are singing blithely in the budding trees, 
Brooks are rippling gaily toward the summer's seas, 
Everything is striving to bring us heart's ease. 
O ye weary plodders burdened down with woe, 
Learn from such happy things how to let care go. 
Take the goods that each day offers at your door, 
Then indeed you will have an increasing store 
Of such treasures as will give you lasting joy, 
For naught can their beauty mar nor worth destroy. 

Lord! remove the film across mine eyes, 
Which hides from me the brightness of the day, 
E'en when I look from earth into the skies 

1 see no azure, only dismal gray. 

There was a time winds sweeping through the trees, 

Brought music to mine ears sweet, soft and low, 

But now, in place of soothing melodies 

They bring the sobbing tones, bespeaking woe. 

Once I could feel a presence ever near, 

Watching o'er me with brooding tender care, 

Taking away all sense of haunting fear. 

Now I am left alone with grim despair! 

Lay on my head thy hand with touch divine, 

No longer dimmed, mine eyes with joy will shine. 







19 




Lif« 



EATH stepped across my threshold 
And took me by the hand, 
To lead me through dark waters 
Unto an unknown strand. 



While thus my lay panting, 
Stripped of its robes of clay, 
One came with shining raiment 
And with it flew away. 

Higher, still higher mounting, 
From heaven to heaven they soar, 
Angels who guard the portals, 
Fling open door by door. 

Beyond all mortal vision, 
Beyond its fondest hope, 
My soul to new life wakens 
Of ever widening scope. 





Birthday Message 





HY star still shines upon thee from on high 

And some day thou wilt mount unto 

a height 

From which its portals open to thine eye 

And its full glory bursts upon thy sight. 

Strive every day to live so thou canst take 
One upward step to help thee reach thy goal; 

Unceasing pray until in thee awake 
Desire thy star shall all thy walk control, 

God gives unto each soul a guiding star, 

Following whose light it will that pathway see, 

Which unto the glistening peaks afar, 
Bathed in the radiance of Eternity. 



^m^Mk^ 






Prayer 

lREAK, Lord, I pray, the chains of the flesh. 
Make thou a rent within its coarse mesh 
Through which will enter one pure white 

gleam 
Caught from the fount whence all light 
doth stream. 
Like a freed bird my soul then will soar 
Until it comes to heaven's own door, 
Gaining the courage to knock with hope, 
Some Being fair unto it will ope. 




) 




22 



Birthday Message 




E THIS the birthday message to thy soul, 
Let none save God thy thoughts and 

acts control. 
Then will the Spirit grant thee for thy 

dower 

The gift to write true songs of deathless 
power. 
Songs which shall live within the hearts of men 
Long after thou art gone and give again 
Some measure of what into being brought 
Their words of life with inspiration fraught, 
Each day draw nearer unto Being's heart 
Until it doth unto thine own impart 
The perfect rhythm which makes its every beat 
Send through the world vibrations strong and sweet. 




^dMWk-^H^. 



23 




The Love and Will Divine 



HOU knowest what is best, O Love Divine, 
E'en when I weep and wail in agony; 
If I can lift my soul in prayer to Thee, 
And try to merge my will in that of Thine, 
I taste the sweetness in life's bitterest wine; 
The Everlasting Arms most tenderly 
Enfold me round, and through the dark I see 
Some gleams of light upon my pathway shine. 




One comes with dextrous touch and mends the strings 

Long broken of my harp and softly plays 

A soothing melody which with it brings 

A sense of peace and solace and of praise. 

Closer unto the Universal Heart 

Mine own is drawn and all its aches depart. 




24 




California Poem 

1849-1915 
TKe Land of Promise 

GLORIOUS land of sunshine! 

Of fruit, of flowers and song. 
As to a land of promise 
The nations to thee throng. 

Thy Golden Gate stands open, 

To welcome all who come; 
Thy vine-clad hills and fertile vales 

Of plenty speak and — home. 

The sick and broken-hearted 
Beneath thy warm, blue skies 

Find life and hope reviving, 
And old ambitions rise. 

Thy grand, soul-stirring scenery 

Doth inspiration give 
To poet, painter, sculptor, 

To bring forth works that live. 

Thou art the longed-for Canaan 

To many a weary soul, 
And many a restless wanderer 

Reaches in thee his goal. 

Flowing with milk and honey, 

In richest raiment dressed — 
Surely thou art most worthy 

To fulfill every quest. 

The gold which drew men thither 

Is not thy greatest wealth, 
But the free gifts thou offerest 

Of beauty, sunshine, health. 



&**^* m ** i 





25 






God's ToucH upon tKe Soul 



ITHOUT the touch of God upon the soul 
The fullest life that earth can give 
is marred; 
With it, as portion of the Perfect 
Whole, 
Is shown the one which seems most 
bare and hard. 



What otherwise had proved a stumbling block 
Hath now become a means whereby to rise, 

And when the shadows gather fast and dark, 
Faith points beyond where clearest azure lies. 

No longer crushed beneath environment, 
None is too narrow for the soul to see 

Wherein its walls God's hand hath made a rent 
To let in glimpses of Infinity. 

Nor yet too thick has any wall been made 
But that through it the listening ear can hear 

Sweet strains of music by Immortals played, 
Wafted to earth God's children there to cheer. 

And when the soul seems utterly alone, 
Bereft of all the ties that make life dear, 

God comes to it and makes His presence known, 
Whispering, "Be not lonely, I am here." 





Lullaby 

AKE me and cradle me in thy arms, 
Weary am I and oppressed; 
Soothe me by singing thy lullaby- 
Rock me to sleep on thy breast. 



Soft is thy bosom, O Mother Earth, 

Sweet are thy kisses to me; 
Folded close in thy fond embrace, 

From every trouble I'm free. 

Lay me down gently upon thy couch, 
Peacefully there I shall sleep; 

Over me for a warm coverlet, 
Daisies and grasses will creep. 

Breezes are singing my requiem, 

But a glad bird of the skies 
Flings down some notes of a higher song, 

Bidding my spirit arise. 

Fettered no more by its house of clay, 

Joyfully it wings its flight; 
Wends its way upward where evermore 

It shall abide in the Light! 



The glory of the hills is mine, 

When unto them I raise my eyes; 

They give to me the strength to climb, 
Unto the skies. 



O^OsO 




27 





Nor matters it how far below, 

I now am dwelling if I see 
A pathway from the valleys low, 

Prepared for me. 

Great things from small beginnings grow, 

The acorn holds the tree; 
A single talent rightly used 

A mighty power may be. 

One little kindly word or act, 

If prompted by the heart, 
May make this whole round world of ours 

Of heaven to seem a part. 

A look of recognition given 

Unto the lonely soul, 
May waken it to consciousness 

Of oneness with the whole. 



In thine inner chamber 

There is always light, 
Though oftimes earth's shadows 

Hide it from the sight. 

In this same still chamber, 
Truth doth ever dwell; 

And to those who listen 
Life's deep secrets tell. 





Prayer 

OME, heavenly love, 
Into my soul. 
Take all my passions 
'Neath thy control. 

Lift them, I pray, 
Above the sod, 

So I can see 

The face of God. 




God's Kindergarten 

XQUISITE works of color and designing 

God scatters freely all along life's way; 

By their rare beauty our taste so refining, 

He makes us long for lovelier ones 

than they. 



Like children in the kindergarten playing, 
Through object lessons we are being taught 

How God through symbols is forever yearning 
To help us grasp some holy, deathless thought. 

When all around us we see bright things dying, 
He whispers, look beyond this world of sense ; 

From them you might see beauteous forms upflying 
Were your love for things the temporal less intense. 

Nothing is lost, then why for it be sighing 5 
What we call Death is sent that touch to give 

Which frees the living germ in all things lying, 
So it henceforth a higher life may live. 




29 



A heart received a barbed word 
Which cut it like a two-edged sword. 
Quivering with pain it nearly broke, 
But in the end true strength awake. 

The pain was there allowed to lie 
Just long enough until thereby 
Grew knowledge how to others bring 
Some succour in their suffering. 
Then! then! at last was gone the sting. 

With firm intent to reach my goal 
1 upward press, nor do I mind 

How rough the path, for in my soul 
New life I find. 

Which groweth stronger day by day, 
As I inhale the atmosphere 

Of mountain heights upon the way, 
So pure, so clear. 

When notes of trouble 

Float on the air 
One word Love utters 

Brings music rare. 

It gives the courage 

To go through life 
Full of rejoicing 

In midst of strife. 

Garners the sweetness 

From bitterest things, 
Gives by its touching 

The soul its wings. 

On them it soareth 

Up to the sky, 
Where it discovers 

Love cannot die. 




30 




Refraction 

'N ARROW speeding through the air 
Smote a lone bird that hovered there. 
Fluttering its wings, it heaved a sigh, 
Then fell upon the earth to die. 
A passerby who saw the bird 

Was by its cry of anguish stirred. 

He drew the arrow from its breast, 

With healing balm its wounds he dressed. 

The little life that in it breathed 

Grew stronger as it care received. 

Had not Love Death's course it must 

Too soon have passed into the dust. 



Weary sojourner 

Beside the sea, 
God's loving kindness 

Protecteth thee. 

Wherefore be lonely? 

There's one is near 
Who watcheth o'er thee — 

Then have no fear. 






ggAKE me a channel, Lord, 

Through which Thou canst express, 
'Some portion of Thy living word 
Wherewith the world to bless. 

All obstacles remove 

From the inflowing free 
Of that sweet stream of harmony 

Which ever flows from Thee. 

Then I shall find the voice 

To sing some little song, 
Whose notes have caught a power divine, 

To help dispel the wrong. 

Upon thy bosom, gracious Love Divine, 

I lay my head and through me feel the beat 
Of thy great heart's pulsations strong and sweet, 

Filling with melody this soul of mine, 
Upon the waves of music wondrous fine, 

It soars to regions higher, ever higher, 
Until it comes where the angelic choir, 

With myriad voices in thy praise combine. 

Now earth's discordant notes but serve to make 
The ones of harmony more clearly ring, 

And in my soul those inner senses wake, 
Which help it find its voice in time to sing 

With life's own song glad in its undertone, 
However much its surface ones may moan. 




32 








White light of Love shine full upon my way, 
Then it will matter not how rough it grows, 

Nor yet how dark or drear may grow the day,' 
For thy clear light such radiance on it throws, 

I walk as one whose eyes are fixed on heaven, 
Unmindful of what lies beneath my feet. 

For unto those Love-lighted it is given, 

To see its glory, hear its music sweet; 
No more alone, no longer desolate 

Since thou dost shine, O light of Love, am I; 
Thou showest me, if I in patience wait, 

My heart's desire will greet me by and by, 
My part is it to let Love's overflow 

Drive from my soul all that which binds below. 






/ 




33 



Prayer 




OME, heavenly love, 
Into my soul. 
Take all my passions 
'Neath thy control. 

Lift them, I pray, 
Above the sod, 

So I can see 

The face of God. 



A heart received a barbed word, 
Which cut it like a two-edged sword; 

Quivering with pain it nearly broke, 
But in the end true strength awake. 

The pain was there allowed to lie, 
Just long enough until thereby 

Grew knowledge how to others bring 
Some succour in their suffering; 

Then ! then ! at last was gone the sting. 

With firm intent to reach my goal 
I upward press, nor do I mind 

How rough the path, for in my soul 
New life I find. 

Which groweth stronger day by day 

As I inhale the atmosphere 
Of mountain heights upon the way 

So pure, so clear. 

When notes of trouble 

Float on the air, 
One word, "Love others," 

Brings music rare. 




It gives the courage 

To go through life 
Full of rejoicing 

In midst of strife. 

Garners the sweetness 
From bitterest things, 

Gives by its touching 
To soul its wings. 

On then it soareth, 

Up to the sky, 
Where it discovers 

Love cannot die. 

The glory of the hills is mine, 

When unto them I raise my eyes; 
They give to me the strength to climb, 

Unto the skies. 
Nor matters it how far below, 

I now am dwelling if I see 
A pathway from the valleys low, 

Prepared for me. 
Great things from small beginnings grow, 

The acorn holds the tree ; 
A single talent rightly used 

A mighty power may be. 

One little kindly word or act, 

If prompted by the heart, 
May make this whole round world of ours 

Of heaven to seem a part. 

A look of recognition given 

Unto the lonely soul, 
May waken it to consciousness 

Of oneness with the whole. 




^am^m^- 




35 



In thine inner chamber 

There is always light, 
Though oftimes earth's shadows 

Hide it from the sight. 

In this same still chamber, 
Truth doth ever dwell; 

And to those who listen 
Life's deep secrets tell. 












OO long have we bent all our energies 
To reach a heaven created by the brain, 
And there be saved from everlasting pain, 
When in ourselves lies all of bliss there is. 
For in a low condition of the mind 
A hell more frightful than e'en Dante saw 
Or Dore by his mighty brush could draw, 
We can within its loathsome chambers find. 

Christ came to teach us how to saviours be, 
By daily striving some live word to speak; 
To raise the fallen and make strong the weak — 
His is the truth that doth from bondage free. 
Who follows in the footsteps that He trod, 
Will find his heaven within and there see God. 



i 




37 




Regenerated 



BROWN and withered atom 
I lay upon life's shore, 
O'er which wild waves came crashing 
With maddening, deafening roar. 



While lying faint and gasping, 
From soundless depths within 

A voice spake words so powerful 
They rose above the din. 

Then with a mighty effort, 
Although so near to die, 

Once more I stood upon my feet 
And looked into the sky. 

Into my withered tissues 
I drew God's vital breath, 

Which thrilling through my being, 
Loosened the clutch of Death. 



Like one just new-created 
I set sail on life's sea, 

With overmastering passion 
To serve humanity. 




38 




California Poppy 

Official Flower of tHe Golden State 




To the California Poppy- 
ROM thee, thou sun-kissed flower, 
More real wealth comes to me 
Than what is hid in gold mines 
Or buried in the sea. 

All through thy life, though skies may change, 

Thy sunshine never fails 
To shed its brightness all around 

O'er hills and meadow dales. 

Were the first pioneers of old, 

Who came here seeking gold, 
Too deeply steeped in glittering dust 

To watch thy buds unfold? 

Some of them must have written, 

When the day's work was o'er, 
About the beauty blooming 

Upon the Western shore. 

While gazing in thy challice, 

Clairvoyant grow mine eyes, 
And see where in the future 

Love's kingdom shall arise. 

In it those with abundance blessed 

Give generously as thou, 
For to no God of Mammon, then, 

Does mankind longer bow. 

Now, every one the message reads 

Within this beautiful state, 
And each ship that nears its harbor 

Sails through a "Golden Gate." 





PON a sea of glory, 

Stretching from hill to bay, 
My soul with sails set westward, 

Embarked at close of day. 



Above the sky was trembling 
With color-waves of light, 

The sun's last farewell token, 
Today ere fall of night. 

Some tender tints of twilight 
Dropped softly from the sky, 

Giving to earth the signal, 
The reign of night was nigh. 

Then darkness for a moment, 
O'er all the world held sway, 

Till myriad glittering star-beams, 
Pierced through it ray by ray. 

So soul that soareth skyward, 
For thee is no real night, 

What comes is for revealing 
Unto thee fuller light. 

Blind not thine eyes so that they cannot see 
The hidden good beneath thy grief and pain, 

That joy the loss of which thou didst complain 
Was taken by love's hand to set thee free. 



i 



j^T* 4 ***^' 







From what would keep a greater joy from thee, 
Earth's seeming evils never prove a bane 

To those who from all bitterness refrain 
And trust themselves to love implicitly. 



Unless the seed deprived of light had lain 
Buried a season in the dark of earth, 

Sufficiency of strength it could not gain 
To give the beauty sleeping in its birth; 

Likewise, O soul, impatience bide thy time 
Till loss and sorrow bring forth joy sublime. 




41 




Tiny Hands 

HREE tiny blades of grass 
Whisper to those who pass, 
Like us, always aspire 
To climb a little higher. 

Yet do not scorn the ground, 
For therein may be found 
The means where with to rise 
Nearer unto the skies. 



Learn to contented be, 
Where God for us He 
Knows just the fittest place 
For you to grow in grace. 





TKe New Day 




O FORTH and greet the day; the night is 

done; 

Put by thy past; with it begin anew; 

Come forth and do obeisance to the sun, 

And let his rays enkindle light in you. 



Life is too precious, and too fair a thing, 

To let one day of it unwelcome go; 
Come forth and greet the dawn, and with it sing, 

E'en though your song be wrung from the heart's 
woe 

Receive each hour, as if it were a gift, 
Sent unto you with tender, loving thoughts; 

Should some bring clouds, have faith that they will 
lift 
Or through their falling harvests will be wrought. 

When, toward the day, this attitude you take, 
Within your soul the morning's joy will wake. 



i 




43 




Upliftment 

ETHOUGHT I looked upon the face of 
Christ, and as I gazed all doubt- 
ing fled away, 
For in His presence naught but truth 
can stay. 



Desires were changed and what had once enticed 
me by its outward beauty, from those heights where 
truth and beauty are as one, lost power o'er me, 
for at this most uplifting hour alluring things in 
which the sense delights, charmed me no more. 

I was so filled with bliss unspeakable. Every aspira- 
tion seemed realized; from Him inspiration flowed 

to my soul, like to a holy kiss. It touched me, awak- 
ing there a spirit kin to His own, wide love the 
heart of it. 

Altho my life in outward things 
Seem cramped and mean and poor, 

Of hidden treasures of the heart 
I have an ample store. 

The picture of the earth, sea, sky 

I have the eyes to see, 
And nature's myriad voices sing 

The sweetest songs to me. 

Altho no fixed abode have I, 

But like a wanderer roam, 
Builders unseen are helping me 

To rear a lasting home. 




i&f^fiHi 



44 



Its turrets tower into the sky, 
Its treasures, rich and rare, 

Naught can corrupt its garden's bloom 
With blossoms wondrous fair. 

Into its inmost chambers love 

Entered and with a kiss 
Opened for me another world, 

One steeped in light and bliss. 

Now love has left me all alone, 

Wherefore need I repine; 
He gave to me this gift of gifts — 

The soul of all — for mine. 

And when I listened to its voice, 

Far, far above the sod, 
I soared aloft on outspread wings 

Unto the breast of God. 




45 





BirtHday Message 

|E THIS the birthday message to thy soul, 

Let none save God thy thoughts and 

acts control. 

Then will the Spirit grant thee for thy 

dower 
The gift to write true songs of deathless 

power. 
Songs which shall live within the hearts of men 
Long after thou art gone and give again 
Some measure of what into being brought 
Their words of life with inspiration fraught, 
Each day draw nearer unto Being's heart 
Until it doth unto thine own impart 
The perfect rhythm which makes its every beat 
Send through the world vibrations strong and sweet. 







46 




THe Day's Bringing 

BRING to some life's crowning joy, 

To some its bitterest woe; 
Some greet me with their brightest smile, 

Some with the tears o'erflow. 



But could they look into my heart, 
E'en those who suffer pain; 

They'd see since love is at its core, 
For none I dawn in vain. 

I bring what wisdom I can find 

To help the soul to soar 
Upon the wings of joy or grief 

Straightway to heaven's own door. 

Close by a babbling brook 

I build my nest; 
Each eve its rippling notes 

Lull me to rest. 



Cp^ 



Each morn its happy voice 

Helps me to rise 
And out on life to look 

Through hopeful eyes. 

All day while at my work, 

Its silvery tones 
Tell how to smoothly glide 

Over rough stones. 




Like thee, O little brook, 

Blithesome I'd be, 
For are we not both bound 

Unto the sea? 

And as I seaward go 

Melody make 
Which will responsive chords 

In others wake. 

When near the sea's great heart, 

Thro ours will thrill 
Music none hear until 

Earth's noise grows still. 

Free from the depths of ages' dust, 
Wherein it hath too long been hid, 
The living beauty of the word, 
Then when it shines forth clear and bright 
Those who now sit in doubt's dark night 
Will strive to read its meaning right, 
And journey onward in the light of day. 

Let thy words come fresh from the heart, 
For only thus can they have power 
To speak and rouse as from the dead 
Those who now slumber. In their stead 
Live men should walk the earth made free — 
Glad, hopeful, strong, content to be 
One with God's whole eternal plan of life. 






There is joy at the heart of creation; 

The song which it sings is glad 
Tis only the minor surface notes 

That ring with a cadence sad. 



There is love at the heart of being, 

So great it embraces all 
Nothing save what in good results 

Can any soul befall. 



<PS5^ 



•^^^Hi 




49 





A Sunflower 



BARE back-yard without a tree 
Had one spot very bright, 

For there a single fair flower grew 
Whose face turned toward the light. 



Of the poor soil it took no heed; 

From a high source it drew 
The halo shining round its head 

Of golden-tinted hue. 

Each day it gladly did its best 

To brighten its small world, 
When, drooped and brown, its many seeds 

Were ready to unfold. 

Some fell to earth, some in a heart, 

Where they took root aright; 
So from one little life may spring 

A harvest of great might. 




50 




Joy 

HERE is joy at the heart of creation 
The song which it sings is glad; 
Tis only the minor surface notes 
That ring with a cadence sad. 



There is love at the heart of being 
So great it embraces all. 

Nothing save what in good results 
Can any soul befall. 

Be still and look within, 
There hushed from worldly din 
The voice of love speaks low 
All that the soul need know. 

Be still and seek His will, 
In all things He can fill 
Thy soul so full of calm, 
So deep, no false alarm 
Of danger can decrease 
Thine inmost sense of peace. 




Fast folded in His love, 
From harm thou art secure, 

And like the rocks above, 

The waves, canst storms endure 



^^^ 




51 






Inspiration 

Y SONGS come to me as the gift of God 
To give me strength when all of mine 

was spent, 
To show me how through all to be 

content — 
Not more in sunshine than when times 
grow hard. 

Teach me, O Lord, to use this gift aright; 

Write thou upon the tablets of my heart 

The truths which Thou dost wish me to impart 

To other souls, to guide them to the light. 

Breathe into me the Spirit of the Son 

That I may live for others as did He, 

Then not ashamed shall I give back to Thee 

What Thou didst give, when my day's work is done. 

Sing through me to the world some glad refrain 

Of that sweet song of life that drives out pain. 

Although it may not seem to thee 

Just what thy wish would have it be, 

He always heedeth thy request 

And sends just what He knows is best. 

Look up, oh! be not sunk in woe. 

How canst thou slight His promise so? 

"A bruised reed he will not break," 

Nor any burdened soul forsake. 

Ask and receive, and lo; thy joy 

No doubt nor sorrow can destroy. 

Knock and there shall open wide 

Doors that wondrous regions hide. 






Take courage, bid thy soul rejoice; 
It hath been granted thee free choice 
Of seeing merely trouble's sting, 
Or letting it new insight bring- 
To sense the inmost heart of things. 
Not tares, but wheat, the seed will reap, 
That lie within the heart so deep; 
That daily life brings with it new delight 
And I am taught to walk by faith, not sight ; 
Those things that once brought with them only pain, 
Now that my ears have caught the glad refrain 
Of heaven's music, show what I deemed loss 
Were really sent for my exceeding gain — 
To help me learn the meaning of the Cross! 
Thou shalt be a power for good, 
To teach mankind true brotherhood. 



; 



The power from on high enfills my soul! 

Away from me the clouds of darkness roll! 

A sense of His abiding presence steals 

O'er my being, the comforter reveals 

To me the truth I so long sought with tears, 

Forever past are those tormenting fears 

That kept me sad and downcast all these years; 

My soul rejoices in such glorious light 

That daily life brings with it new delight 

And I am taught to walk by faith, not sight; 

Those things that once brought with them only pain. 

Now, that my ears have caught the glad refrain 

Of heaven's music, show what I deemed loss 

Were really sent for my exceeding gain 

To help me learn the meaning of the cross. 



^^^ 



i 



7 




53 



„Thy Will, Not Mine" 

Hymn 




WOULD, O Father, 
That this will of mine 

May ever be 
Subservient to Thine. 

Do unto me 

As seemeth to Thee best, 
To make me flee 

For shelter to Thy breast. 



"Know the power of self and smile on all." 

When thou has conscious grown, 

O self of mine, 
That thou dost draw thy life 

From source divine. 
Thou wilt cognizant be 

Of wondrous power, 
And all good things of life 

Shall be thy dower. 

Thou wilt become a sun, 

And from thee stream 
A living radiance 

On all to beam. 






The Right Touch 

SUNBEAM fell upon a clod of earth, 
And by its shining showed the glim- 
mer there 
Of something precious that revealed its 
worth, 
So seemingly at first of beauty bare. 

An instrument in silence waited long 

For one to come and wake the music there; 

A touch, a freed voice pours forth notes of song 
That rise rejoicingly upon the air. 

Men are but clods, their souls are mute 

Until the Spirit breathes on them with love divine; 
Then from their lips drop words that others thrill 

And with an inward light their faces shine. 




55 




A Cloud-Rift 

ENSE gloom o'erspread the sky; the atmos- 
phere 
Was heavy with its weight of tears un- 
shed. 
My soul lay crushed beneath a sense of 
dread; 
From Nature suddenly depression fled; 
I raised my eyes and from the deeps o'erhead 
The silver rain came dropping tear by tear. 

It ceased, the air was blowing light and clear, 
And from my soul the burden of its woe 
That had been slowly gathering year by year 
Was lifted, for it felt glad joy inflow. 
Imbibed from Nature's joy the storm was o'er, 
Out burst the sun and joy grew more and more. 









HE atmosphere is cold and thick and gray, 
A veil of mist obscures the rising sun; 
The fog-horn sends its warning o'er the 
bay, 
The day seems waning, though but 
just begun. 
The soul is cast upon itself for light, 

And well, indeed, if it find shining there 
Rays of that sun which never knows the night, 

Nor yet doth ever shed too fierce a glare. 
But should it find its chambers likewise dim, 

Beclouded by the fogs and mists of earth, 
It must more carefully its lamp retrim, 

Refilling with an oil of priceless worth. 
Thus may a soul a lighthouse prove to be 
To ships becalmed upon life's fog-girt sea. 









True Success 

HOM the world regards a failure, 
God may deem a great success; 

Failure caused by aiming skyward 
Is a mark of nobleness. 



None need call himself a failure 

Till he recognize defeat; 
Souls of victors truly have they 

Who undaunted ill luck meet. 

Better than to rest contented 
With some paltry triumph now, 

Is to be forever striving, 
Though on earth an uncrowned brow. 




58 




TKe Master Musician 




AM the instrument, but Thou, O Lord, 

The Great Musician art, so play on me 
As seemeth best to Thee; but let one chord 
So deeply stir my soul 'twill give the key 
To all the wealth of slumbering melody 
Waiting within the soul of every man, 
Until a touch like Thine shall set it free. 

Teach me Thine art, so that I likewise can 
Bring out the sweetest notes in every one 

With whom I come in contact; I would be 
Responsive to Thy lightest touch, then none 

Lacking Thy spirit shall have power o'er me, 
And all the music Thou dost in me wake, 
In lives of others shall true concord make. 




The Kingdom Come 





HE beauty of Creation, 
The promise of the morn, 
The spring-tide's exultation, 
Make us hopeful for the dawn 
Of a day of joy and brightness. 
In swift coming future times, 
When hearts full of happiness 

Join in melodious chimes 
That evennow are pealing — 

Though far distant, on the air — 
Nearer, nearer they are stealing, 
Soon we'll hear them everywhere. 

Then, then with gladsome voices 

We shall hail the new-born day, 
For everything rejoices 

Now that night has passed away. 
Each man regards his neighbor, 

For the Golden Rule is law, 
And it is his daily labor 

To put by, from which to draw, 
A fund of love that never fails, 

But groweth more and more — 
The receiver and the giver 

Are both blessed from the same store. 



^M^^H^ 




60 



The meaning of true brotherhood 

Is fully understood; 
The will of man and nations 

Is the will of the All Good. 
Ah! it is an inspiration 

Just to breathe in the same air 
That comes in sweet vibrations 

From souls made whole and fair. 
Earth has become an Eden, 

As the little children say; 
Now none need long for heaven — 

Paradise is here to stay. 



f 




61 







Prayer for Love 



ASK thee, Lord, that thou wilt give to me 
A heart so full of love for all my kind, 

In every one I meet mine eyes shall see 
Some likeness there which shall of Thee 
remind. 



Why are we taught such reverence for a book, 
To bow the knee in a cathedral's hall, 

While with a careless eye too oft we look 
On man — who of Thy works is chief of all? 




{ 



From one, however worthless seemingly, 
Bid me before in scorn I turn away, 

Remember that in God's own image he was 
created to regain some day; 
No mark divine is ever quite effaced, 

Love's eyes can see it in the most debased. 



first 




62 





Conditions of GrowtH 



HE soul must dwell within a silence deep, 
So deep that no intruder there can creep, 
To break its peaceful calm if it would see 
Into the great truths of eternity. 



It must its every window open wide 

If it would in the light of heaven abide, 

Must drink deep draughts drawn from life's living 

fount, 
Would it gain strength wherewith to upward mount. 

Must into all its inmost being breathe 
Jehovah's breath would it this gift receive, 
The Spirit's power enable it to be 
A helpful force unto humanity. 







63 



Christ's Second Coming; 







OON we shall feel deep pulsations 
Vibrating through the earth; 
Travail-time draws near for the nations 
To give the new-order birth. 



And a glorious star is rising, 

Like that on the blessed morn, 
Which led the shepherds, their watch surprising, 

To where the Christ-child was born. 

Then He was born in a manger, 

But now in the hearts of men; 
Of war there will be no danger 

When Christ shall thus come again. 

The doors of the prisons will open — 

They will be needed no more, 
For peace and good-will have been spoken, 

And none are evil or poor. 

Upon the Cross the world for ages 
Has nailed the Christ o'er and o'er; 

Now it seeks to undo the traces 

Of the wounds He there for us bore. 

"And if I be uplifted, 

All men will unto me draw" 
Is fulfilled, for, regenerated, 
Mankind has learned Love's high law. 




64 



Service 



HE Master washed his disciples' feet, 
The Father's will was his daily meat; 
Though oft the way was rough and steep, 
He took to save some wandering sheep, 
And with briers his hands were torn, 
Time came his crown of thorns was worn 
With a majesty no king could scorn. 





^fT^Hi 




65 




"Not Every One That Saith Unto 
Me, Lord, Lord, Etc." 




KNOW ye not — depart from me 
Ye workers of iniquity; 
Although ye saith to me "Lord, Lord!" 
Your lives with it do not accord. 



With tender hands ye never led 
The faltering - feet, nor have ye fed 
The hungry with my living bread; 
Go make your home among the dead. 

For heaven's fair kingdom is for such, 
Who with their brothers keep in touch, 
Who earnestly through life have tried 
To live as did the Crucified. 



i 




66 






{ 



Prayer 



REE me, O Lord, from every selfish thought 
That I may live in service for the all, 
Take any means Thy wisdom shows is 
best 
To break the chains which keep in 
Selfhood's thrall. 



Help me to rise above my cares and griefs 
In thinking of the good which I may do, 

When naught impedes the inflow of that life, 
Whose entrance doth with love for all imbue. 





67 




To tKe Healer 




PEN thy soul so wide to the inflow, 
Of life and health and strength from 
source above, 
Thou art no longer fearful the outflow 
Will leave thee emptied, freely give 
in love. 






For the supply, aye, equals the demand; 

In God's fair kingdom all is offered free, 
He only asks obey ye this command: 

"As ye receive, so give again to me." 

Each day go out and seek some needy soul 
In midst of plenty hungering for that Bread, 

Sent down from heaven to make all strong and whole, 
Who are upon its substance daily fed, 

Ere thou canst break this bread live all the while 
So near to God that nothing can defile. 



/ 




68 




Generosity 



EE how the flower so holds its cup 
That the sun's warmth may fill it up 
With strength to grow and nectar prepare 
For bees to sup and still have more 
That others may the sweetness share. 



Go fill thy soul with dews of heaven, 
Give and ever give, let no thought of having 
Naught for self intrude, for Love's mighty leaven 
Makes the heart expand to bless all living. 






Judge Not 

NLESS we could have God's all-seeing eye, 
Which looks beyond outward appear- 
ances, 
Let us forbear to judge another by 
Either his acts or his deficiencies. 



i 



What we so scorn in others might be ours 
Were we to have the like environment; 

For illustration take two human flowers, 
Guard one with care but have the other sent 

Where it must daily breathe polluted air, 
Think you they'd show the same development? 

One grows as was intended straight and fair, 

The other manifests a stunted growth; 
God understands and justly judges both. 





"Let Thy Light Shine" 




HOU canst keep some corner bright 
If thou shed thy little light; 
Help to dissipate the gloom, 
Of a sorrow-shadowed room. 



Never mind how weak it seem, 
Though it only cast one gleam, 
When 'tis kindled by a spark 
From that Light which ne'er grows dark. 

It will always brightly glow 
When 'tis fed by Love's pure glow, 
Then wherever thou dost go, 
Sunshine from thee shall outflow. 



y 




71 




\ 



O NOT be concerned in getting, 
But in giving what thou hast; 

All about us freely offer 

What of wealth they have amassed. 



Nature's voices give us music 
Than paid orchestra's more grand; 

Sunlight paints with magic brushes 
Pictures fair on sea and land. 

Each day with its priceless treasures 
Comes a-knocking at our door. 

Is there need amidst such riches 
That a single man be poor? 



Long ago there walked among us 
One whose mighty words still speak; 

Trust his promise, "All things have ye 
Who will first heaven's kingdom seek." 



In no undiscovered country 
Is this kingdom to be found, 

But in hearts where love and mercy 
Make thoughts kindly to abound. 

Thoughts which blossom out in doing 

For the universal good; 
Individual wants are fully 

By the Father understood. 




72 




"Am I My BrotHer's Keeper" 

HEN once a man begins to run down 
hill, 
Would those who seem to help him 
on his way 
Extend a friendly hand — show him 
good-will — 
Twould probably his downward progress stay. 

Cheered by the kindly word, he'd change his course, 
And once more try the steep path to ascend ; 

Behind him he would feel an unseen force 
Helping him onward to his journey's end. 

Am I my brother's keeper? Yes and no. 

Not his to bind, but with him sympathize 
When footsore his steps flag and head droops low; 

To lift him up, encourage him to rise. 

Many unknown to fame might have been crowned 
With laurels had the needed aid been given; 

Many a one whose name is world renowned 

Attained his goal through kind words fitly spoken. 



i 



i 



i 





Recompense 

ETHINKS when all the sheaves are gath- 
ered in, 
And men await their portion of the 
grain, 
Not those who worked, though well, 
for their own gain 
The larger share of gleanings then will win; 
But those whose love for all of human-kind 
Kept them from being on self-ends intent, 
When by the Lord of harvest called will find 
That ne'er in vain is life for others spent. 
He whose aim is to serve the common weal 

Draws to himself a goodly heritage 
Of riches, so enduring and so real 

They last his soul for aye, from age to age; 
And as all self-hood dies, he grows as one 

With Him who died for others, though God's Son. 




\ 




Love's Power 



OVE'S 



triumph over every- 



power can 
thing — 
The greatest human wreck can be re- 
claimed 
When to his aid Love doth her forces 
bring; 
One look of hers does more than all who blamed. 
Nothing of good can long escape her eyes; 

Howe'er repulsive be the outer form, 
It is to Love but as a thin disguise 

Through which shows what can utterly transform. 
E'en one who seems fast bound unto the sod — 

No aspiration to aught higher scan — 
Is known by Love as embryonic God, 

Awaiting recognition's talisman. 
Thus doth she prove akin all she may meet — 
Kings in the palace, beggars in the street. 




Sympathy 




PICKED a little flower up from the ground — ■ 
A careless hand had flung it there to die; 
Since Love forbade that I should pass it by, 
I bore it home just as it was and found, 
Although so badly crushed and foully stained, 
Something of life and beauty still remained. 
When given a drink and freed from all its stains 
It tried, methinks, to thank me for my pains, 
And once more raised its head, looking so glad. 
Thoughts came to me of how to help the sad, 
Down-trodden ones a proud world deems outcast 
From all things good; did we but know their past 
How often we should find their beauty marred, 
Not through their fault, only by others scarred. 







76 




True Success 



HOM the world regards a failure, 
God may deem a great success; 

Failure caused by aiming skyward 
Is a mark of nobleness. 



None need call himself a failure 
Till he recognize defeat; 

Souls of victors truly have they 
Who undaunted ill luck meet. 




i 



Better than to rest contented 
With some paltry triumph now, 

Is to be forever striving, 
Though on earth an uncrowned brow. 




t?********^ 




77 




Prayer 




NSPIRE me, O God, I pray, 

So I may give again 
Of all that I receive from Thee 

To bless my fellow-men. 



Inspire me and ope mine ears, 
Make them receptive be 

Unto that stream of melody 
Which ever flows from Thee. 



Inspire me to live alway, 
So that my life may prove 

To all that come within its scope, 
The wondrous power of love. 





E UP and doing, 

It is day, 
The sun is high 

Upon his way. 

Like him go shed 
Thy rays abroad, 

Scatter them freely, 
None of them hoard. 



Be this thy joy 
To give to all, 

Unmindful where 
They chance to fall. 

Thy part it is 

To simply shine, 
The outcome leaving 

To Love Divine. 




79 




Desires Three 

WOULD inhale while on the mount of 
vision, 

Such measure of its rarefied fine air, 
Each exhalation while down in the valley, 

Might purify the noxious vapors there. 



I would my soul were filled so full of sunshine 
That flows from him who is the Sun of life, 

Where'er I go some of its bright reflection 

Might change the skies of others with clouds rife. 




That it might ever send forth those vibrations, 
Which felt, must every thought of ill remove, 

I would this heart of mine were set pulsating 
In tune with his whose sweetest name is Love. 




^>m^u^ 




80 





HY heart should so o'erflow with love for 
all, 
On those whom thou regardest as un- 
clean, 
Thou wilt thy cloak of charity let fall, 
To cover what were better left unseen. 



As Cinderella in the tale of old, 

Into a lovely princess was transformed, 

So through the eyes of love thou wilt behold, 
The noble born though outwardly deformed. 

Henceforward let it be thy daily care 
To remove aught impeding the free flow 

Of that true life which maketh all things fair, 
And causeth man in God-likeness to grow; 

When conscious of that life a light will shine 
Upon thy path to show all men divine. 









81 



2 






LiKe a Streamlet 



IKE a streamlet we should be, 
Make for others melody 
As we journey toward the sea, 



Ere within the main we hide 
In its great heart to abide; 
It has scattered far and wide 
Joy and freshness everywhere, 
Giving unto all a share 
Of what keeps it glad and fair. 

Leaving all along its wake 
Green things, growing flowers and brake- 
Living just for other's sake. 







82 



Influence 




'F THOU wilt draw thy inspiration from 
The never failing fount of life above, 

A blessing to the world thou wilt become, 
And thy whole life express the widest 
love. 



Then although fame forget thy name to breathe 
Upon the unwrit history of the race, 

Thou surely wilt a lasting impress leave, 
One which e'en time itself cannot deface. 



From those who with the highest in touch keep, 
Influence flows which will outlast the grave, 

For like a stream that digs its channels deep, 
Twill sink into men's hearts and many save 

From stagnant waters, unseen by the eye 
Its presence there, their thoughts will purify. 









{ 



Heaven WitKin 

r OO long have we bent all our energies 
To reach a heaven created by the brain, 
'And there be saved from everlasting pain, 
'When in ourselves lies all of bliss there is. 
For in a low condition of the mind 
A hell more frightful than e'en Dante saw 
Or Dore by his mighty brush could draw, 
We can within its loathsome chambers find. 

Christ came to teach us how to saviours be, 
By daily striving some live word to speak; 
To raise the fallen and make strong the weak — 
His is the truth that doth from bondage free. 
Who follows in the footsteps that He trod, 
Will find his heaven within and there see God. 




84 





Regenerated 

BROWN and withered atom 

I lay upon life's shore, 
O'er which wild waves came crashing 

With maddening, deafening roar. 



While lying faint and gasping, 
From soundless depths within 

A voice spake words so powerful 
They rose above the din. 

Then with a mighty effort, 
Although so near to die, 

Once more I stood upon my feet 
And looked into the sky. 



Into my withered tissues 
I drew God's vital breath, 

Which thrilling through my being, 
Loosened the clutch of Death. 

Like one just new-created 

I set sail on life's sea, 
With overmastering passion 

To serve humanity. 




^m^m^ 




85 





AM yearning for the coming 

Into this heart of mine 
Of the Christ-child, pure and holy, 

Born of the Love Divine. 



Therefore, while I am waiting, 
I will make my dwelling fair; 

Of everything unseemly 

Will sweep its chambers bare. 

Should any thought of evil 
Have found a harboring, 

I'll open wide my casements 
And from my portals fling. 

Oft keenest pain and anguish 
The richest blessing bring, 

So ere I gain my heart's desire 
I must pass through suffering. 

But when my hour cometh, 

And in travail am I, 
I shall forget my agony 

In listening for His cry. 

His birth will prove unto me 

A resurrection morn; 
Forth from the tomb of self-hood 

My spirit be reborn. 



^*^fHi 




86 



{ 



{ 



Forever evil passions 

Have lost their power o'er me; 
I pray for those who curse me, 

Or use despitefully. 

Through eyes full of compassion 
My fellow men I view; 

See 'neath the meanest faces 
Gleams of the good and true. 

I seek the weak and erring, 
And take them to my heart; 

I heal the sick and wounded 
With heavenly Christ-like art. 



In every word and action 

The Christ-child works through me, 
Since with Him and the Father 

I have grown one to be. 

Love's touch is on my brow and on my lips, 
Her holiest kiss, therefore my heart's glad, 
With gladness drawn from the great heart of all, 
Whose every beat gives forth as waves of joy, 
Wherewith to bless, 

So likewise I diffuse 
Some measure of that which I have received, 
And by my very presence witness 
Of happiness, naught earthly can destroy. 

Love opens in the soul an inner fount, 
Whence flows a stream of joy and melody 
Which will, if fed aright, 
And through life's journey make a pathway bright. 




87 








Unbound 

SAD SOUL! moaning in the web which 
Fate 
Hath spun around thee so thou canst 
not fly! 
Be still! No more bewail thine abject 
state, 
For thee deliverance soon draweth nigh; 
A voice from soundless depths the secret tells; 

Nothing can bind a soul whose thoughts are stayed 
Upon eternal things, for in it dwells 

A consciousness which makes it unafraid. 
It looks beyond the seeming to the real; 

Knows that, which here apparently doth bind, 
Doth make it reach out after the ideal, 

Helps it the freedom of the truth to find; 
And now, at will, it soars above the world; 
Fate can no longer keep its pinions furled. 




88 





HE Fatherhood of God, 
The Brotherhood of man, 

Once realized, lift from the sod- 
Reveal Creation's plan. 



One Father of us all, 

One common aim for each — 
To listen humbly for his call, 

And His perfection reach. 

One universal good, 

From which we all must draw 
Until the truth is understood — 

Love's whole redemptive law. 
Once walked upon the earth 

A Brother true, indeed; 
His teaching; gave the soul new birth— 

His words of life still feed. 

He came to teach that Love, 
And not the threatening rod, 

Will every evil thing remove 
Between men's souls and God. 

No longer eye for eye — 
He said: Forgive, forgive; 

Have love so broad, so deep, so high, 
It gives as God doth give. 



His boundless charity 

Embraces everyone; 
To good and bad the rain is free, 

Upon all shines the sun. 

So let us mindful be 

To give as we receive; 
Leaving to God what faults we see, 

Ours is it to relieve. 

What hurts one hurts us all, 
Our joys we share with each; 

Broken for aye is self-hood's thrall — 
The Golden Rule we preach. 

Together bound are we; 

Our Father, the All-Good, 
Unites us in one family, 

A loving Brotherhood. 







90 





LiHe a Streamlet 



IKE a streamlet we should be, 

Make for others melody 

As we journey toward the sea, 



Ere within the main we hide 
In its great heart to abide; 
It has scattered far and wide 
Joy and freshness everywhere, 
Giving unto all a share 
Of what keeps it glad and fair. 

Leaving all along its wake 
Green things, growing flowers and brake- 
Living just for other's sake. 







TKe Larger Life 




O OUT into the larger life, my child, 
Go out and seek the fallen and the 
weak; 
Show them, however much they are de- 
filed, 

They have a friend in thee; most 
gently speak. 



Tell them of One who never turns away 
From any who to Him repentant come; 

He only asks ye will His call obey — 
Ye weary ones, ye heavy laden, come. 



Go put thy petty cares and griefs from thee; 

They look too small compared with others' wrong. 
Love not thyself save in humanity, 

And sing unto it some sweet heaven-caught song. 




^f*^Hi^ 




92 




The Unsung Songs 

HE sweetest songs as yet have not been 
sung; 
They wait in silence deep 
For one to come whose voice shall have 
the power 
To waken them from sleep. 



He must be one whose heart is kept in tune 

With that grand music sweet, 
Which doth forever through the Universe 

In wordless rhythm beat. 

He must have love for all created things, 

However weak or small, 
In loving service find his chief delight 

Done for the good of all. 

With nature he must close communion hold 

His senses to refine, 
Until upon his listening ear shall fall 

Her melodies divine. 






He must so live unto the Spirit's touch 

He will responsive be, 
Then from his lips inspiring words of life 

Will pour exultingly. 



Cpso^ 




93 



E'en Now 




'EN now, when everything seems going 
from thee, 
If thou wilt strive to live a life of trust, 
These words of comfort will be set vi- 
brating; 
God will not let thee perish in the dust. 



Uplifted eyes will look beyond the seeming; 

Behold arising from this vale of sense 
A mount upon whose summit angels beckon, 

Offering to those who gain it joys intense. 



Be not discouraged; start with steadfast purpose 
To scale the heights, however steep they be; 

Falter thy footsteps ? Keep a dauntless spirit, 
Then unseen hands will reach themselves to thee. 





Doing Good 



ONG ago there walked among us 
One whose mighty words still speak, 

Trust His promise "All things have ye 
Who will first heaven's kingdom seek." 



In no undiscovered country 
Is this kingdom to be found, 

But in hearts where love and mercy 
Make thoughts kindly to abound. 

Thoughts which blossom out in doing 

For the universal good, 
Individual wants are fully 

By the Father understood. 

A heart received a barbed word, 
Which cut it like a two-edged sword; 

Quivering with pain it nearly broke, 
But in the end true strength awake. 

The pain was there allowed to lie, 
Just long enough until thereby 

Grew knowledge how to others bring 
Some succour in their suffering; 

Then! then! at last was gone the sting. 






i 




95 



7^^ 




With firm intent to reach my goal 
I upward press, nor do I mind 

How rough the path, for in my soul 
New life I find. 



Which groweth stronger day by day 
As I inhale the atmosphere 

Of mountain heights upon the way 
So pure, so clear. 

When notes of trouble 

Float on the air, 
One word, "Love others," 

Brings music rare. 

It gives the courage 

To go through life 
Full of rejoicing 

In midst of strife. 

Garners the sweetness 

From bitterest things, 
Gives by its touching 

To soul its wings. 

On then it soareth, 

Up to the sky, 
Where it discovers 

Love cannot die. 




96 





"Thy Will, Not Mine" 

Hymn 




WOULD, O Father, 

That this will of mine 
May ever be 
-Subservient to Thine. 

Do unto me 

As seemeth to Thee best, 
To make me flee 

For shelter to Thy breast. 



"Know the power of self and smile on all." 

When thou has conscious grown, 

O self of mine, 
That thou dost draw thy life 

From source divine. 

Thou wilt cognizant be 

Of wondrous power, 
And all good things of life 

Shall be thy dower. 

Thou wilt become a sun, 

And from thee stream 
A living radiance 

On all to beam. 





97 



Refraction 




N ARROW speeding through the air 
Smote a lone bird that hovered there. 
Fluttering its wings, it heaved a sigh, 
Then fell upon the earth to die. 
A passerby who saw the bird 

Was by its cry of anguish stirred. 

He drew the arrow from its breast, 

With healing balm its wounds he dressed. 

The little life that in it breathed 

Grew stronger as it care received. 

Had not Love Death's course it must 

Too soon have passed into the dust. 

Weary sojourner 

Beside the sea, 
God's loving kindness 

Protecteth thee. 



/ 



i 



Wherefore be lonely? 

There's one is near 
Who watcheth o'er thee — 

Then have no fear. 




98 





ISTEN! In the silence and in solitude 
there is strength. There the voice of God 
speaks to the soul, directing, guiding and 
giving it full power. 

In the sanctuary of thine own soul 
there is rest. There the Most High hath 
enshrined His tabernacle. 
Peace, peace be still! 

The Master faileth never, 
Joy will enfill 

The soul that trusteth ever. . 
Through the tempest raging 

In the weary soul, 
Hear the Master saying, 
"I have full control." 
Only wait with patience 
Till the storm is past, 
With a holy silence 

Rest will come at last. 
Out of the heart of the silence 

Things of beauty unfold, 
With their message of thanksgiving 
Unto all the world. 



Live always for thy best, 

Then when night draweth nigh 
Thou canst in peace repose, 

For thou hast earned true rest and happiness. 



No other life can give 

Thee joy, nor hope to be 
A help to souls rejoiced, 

Truth's message to receive to set them free. 



Arise, then! Girt thee round 
With strength that faileth not; 

Go forth, let loving deeds 

Along thy path be found — speak words of cheer. 

So shalt thou come ere long- 
To mountain heights of song, 

Where reigneth harmony 

And truth and beauty dwell in perfectness. 

Purity of spirit must manifest itself in activity. 
Stagnation breeds disease and death. What of truth 
is revealed inwardly give forth outwardly to bless thy 
brother man. 

Live the sermons you would preach. Be yourself 
a message to the world. 

Seek thy inspiration from the highest — let no 
human medium intervene between thy soul and the 
true free revealing direct from the source of all life 
and wisdom. So shalt thou come into a conscious 



union with God the Father, even as did Christ Jesus. 
Great things from small beginnings grow and their 
growth is slow. To hasten growth too often kills or 
dwarfs the thing to be made manifest. Lift up thy 
heart to the light; let thy growing be the Spirit's care. 
There are many laborers at work in His vineyard, 
but the Master has need of thee also. 

The Father must to thee true wisdom give, 

Ere thou the truth canst teach. 
For he who hath the Spirit's power 

The hearts of man can reach. 
I will to him true inspiration give 

That he may be God's messenger to souls, 
Awaiting knowledge of the way to live, 
To cast out Sorrow's sting and gain repose. 




100 



The flowers, the sunlight, the sea and the sky 

Each offers its wealth to the passerby. 

To him who is wise to receive it, 

He takes this gift to his inmost heart 

And gives it forth as a deathless thought, 

Thereby making the whole world sweeter. 

Rejoice! in the glory 

That shineth so free; 
Some of its radiance 

Falls e'en upon thee. 

keep thy heart holy, 
Walk on in its light 
Till life transfigured be. 

Rejoice in the glad thought — 
All is good and fair. 
Things in darkness once sought 
Are the Father's care; 
He knoweth thy needs, 
And in wisdom heeds 
Thy cry and gives to thee. 
Rejoice! night time is past; 
Full day dawneth at last; 
Love rules over the world, 
Flags of peace are unfurled. 
Discord is over, 
Men now discover 

Truth that makes equal and free. 

1 will guide him day by day 
Nearer to the goal he seeketh; 
Give to him just what he needeth, 
Tell to him what words to say 
To the hungry souls awaiting 

Bread that gives the strength for living* 
In full accord with law Divine. 



\ 

t 




101 




^->^ 



f>. 



Realization 



) 




HE power from on high enfills my soul! 
Away from me the clouds of darkness 

roll! 
A sense of His abiding presence steals 
O'er my being, the comforter reveals 
To me the truth I so long sought with 
tears, 
Forever past are those tormenting fears 
That kept me sad and downcast all these years; 
My soul rejoices in such glorious light 
That daily life brings with it new delight 
And I am taught to walk by faith, not sight; 
Those things that once brought with them only pain. 
Now, that my ears have caught the glad refrain 
Of heaven's music, show what I deemed loss 
Were really sent for my exceeding gain 
To help me learn the meaning of the cross. 

Although it may not seem to thee 
Just what thy wish would have it be, 
He always heedeth thy request 
And sends just what He knows is best. 

Look up, oh! be not sunk in woe. 
How canst thou slight His promise so? 
"A bruised reed he will not break," 
Nor any burdened soul forsake. 



/ 




102 




>^CP" 



Ask and receive, and lo; thy joy 
No doubt nor sorrow can destroy. 
Knock and there shall open wide 
Doors that wondrous regions hide. 



Take courage, bid thy soul rejoice; 
It hath been granted thee free choice 
Of seeing merely trouble's sting, 
Or letting it new insight bring 
To sense the inmost heart of things. 

Not tares, but wheat, the seed will reap, 
That lie within the heart so deep; 

Thou shalt be a power for good, 
To teach mankind true brotherhood. 






i 



^r^ 



7 




103 





Completeness 



H, FOOLISH one! None but the Over- 
soul 

Is great enough to satisfy thy own; 

Be one with it, for then thou shalt be 
whole, 

And never more feel that thou art alone. 



"He giveth His beloved in their sleep" 
The truths which we are ready to receive; 
No life can be too hard, no path too steep, 
For those who fully all His words believe. 

Make the word flesh as did the Son of Man; 
He came to earth to teach us how complete 
All life might be when God's eternal plan 
Is understood and with His our hearts beat. 







104 




{ 



The Larger Life 

O OUT into the larger life, my child, 
Go out and seek the fallen and the 
weak; 
f Show them, however much they are de- 
§^*£2 filed, 

They have a friend in thee; most 
gently speak. 

Tell them of One who never turns away 
From any who to Him repentant come; 

He only asks ye will His call obey — 
Ye weary ones, ye heavy laden, come. 

Go put thy petty cares and griefs from thee; 

They look too small compared with others' wrong. 
Love not thyself save in humanity, 

And sing unto it some sweet heaven-caught song. 



/ 



*^*rr*^ 





105 




TKe Unsung Songs 

HE sweetest songs as yet have not been 
sung; 
They wait in silence deep 
For one to come whose voice shall have 
the power 
To waken them from sleep. 



v 



He must be one whose heart is kept in tune 

With that grand music sweet, 
Which doth forever through the Universe 

In wordless rhythm beat. 

He must have love for all created things, 

However weak or small, 
In loving service find his chief delight 

Done for the good of all. 

With nature he must close communion hold 

His senses to refine, 
Until upon his listening ear shall fall 

Her melodies divine. 

He must so live unto the Spirit's touch 

He will responsive be, 
Then from his lips inspiring words of life 

Will pour exultingly. 




106 





Conditions of Growth 



ASK thee, Lord, that thou wilt give to me 
A heart so full of love for all my kind, 

In every one I meet mine eyes shall see 
Some likeness there which shall of Thee 
remind. 



Why are we taught such reverence for a book, 
To bow the knee in a cathedral's hall, 

While with a careless eye too oft we look 
On man — who of Thy works is chief of all? 

From one, however worthless seemingly, 

Bid me before in scorn I turn away, 
Remember that in God's own image he was first 
created to regain some day; 

No mark divine is ever quite effaced, 
Love's eyes can see it in the most debased. 






i 




107 




"Thy Will, Not Mine" 

Hymn 



WOULD, O Father, 
That this will of mine 

May ever be 
Subservient to Thine. 

Do unto me 

As seemeth to Thee best, 
To make me flee 

For shelter to Thy breast. 



"Know the power of self and smile on all." 

When thou has conscious grown, 

O self of mine, 
That thou dost draw thy life 

From source divine. 




Thou wilt cognizant be 
Of wondrous power, 

And all good things of life 
Shall be thy dower. 

Thou wilt become a sun, 
And from thee stream 

A living radiance 
On all to beam. 



^JMW^H^ 




108 



/ 

\ 

\ 





All is Well 

LL that may come to me 

Of weal or woe 
Is from the Father's hand 

And He doth know 
Just what each soul requires 

To make it grow. 



Aught He in love sees fit 

To take away, 
He doeth what is best, 

Trusting I say; 
Naught can disturb my peace 

When I obey. 

All things result in good 

To those whose will 
Is fully one with His; 

What may seem ill 
Comes that it may some wise 

Purpose fulfill. 

Therefore I fearlessly 

Travel along, 
Feeling a mighty arm, 

Saving from wrong, 
All is well, "God is Love," 

This is my song. 




109 



Sympathy 




PICKED a little flower up from the ground — 
A careless hand had flung it there to die; 
Since Love forbade that I should pass it by, 
I bore it home just as it was and found, 
Although so badly crushed and foully stained, 
Something of life and beauty still remained. 
When given a drink and freed from all its stains 
It tried, methinks, to thank me for my pains, 
And once more raised its head, looking so glad. 
Thoughts came to me of how to help the sad, 
Down-trodden ones a proud world deems outcast 
From all things good; did we but know their past 
How often we should find their beauty marred, 
Not through their fault, only by others scarred. 




no 



